Killian Court
Cambridge, Massachusetts, renowned for its academic prowess and intellectual climate, holds a hidden treasure in the form of Killian Court. A sprawling green expanse nestled in the heart of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this historic site has much to offer.
Location
Killian Court is centrally located within MIT's 168-acre campus, straddling the urban borders of Boston and Cambridge. Here, the Charles River provides a scenic backdrop to the Institute's stately domes and spires, including the renowned Great Dome atop Building 10, which shelters the court in majestic shadow.
History
Originally known as the 'Front Campus,' Killian Court was renamed in 1974 to honor the 10th president of MIT, James Rhyne Killian Jr. Conceived by architect William Welles Bosworth in 1916, Killian Court was envisioned to unite MIT's burgeoning campus with a harmonious space for gatherings and discourse. The court's construction paused during World War I, only to be completed and dedicated in 1916, and thus began its legacy as a space for convocation, commencement, and contemplation. It's named after Thomas Jefferson '32 Killian, Class of 1886, and Chairman of the MIT Corporation.
What to See
Killian Court's most striking feature is the Great Dome, a symbolic threshold between academia and the outside world. The Dome is echoed in the cascade of columns that form the Barker Engineering Library and the open expanse of the court itself. Visitors can also appreciate the Alchemist, a striking sculpture by Ernesto Neto, which invites interaction with its sinuous yarn forms..
Nearby Attractions
Adjacent to Killian Court sits some of MIT's most iconic buildings, including the Stata Center, a labyrinthine structure of modern angles and glass designed by Frank Gehry. Near the northwest corner, the MIT Chapel, a serene sanctuary designed by Eero Saarinen, offers another architectural marvel. Beyond campus, the bustling Harvard Square and Charles Hotel are just a short walk away.
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